Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2: Luther on Sin and the FloodLuther, Martin
ReligionChristian
Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2: Luther on Sin and the Flood
Luther, Martin
Bible. Genesis -- Commentaries
second volume, the one before us, treats of the second part and end of
the old world. This Luther would have us apply to the last times of
the modern world.
Luther Educational and Devotional.
Here, as everywhere in his catechisms, sermons and commentaries,
Luther is unique among religious authors in that he is both
educational and devotional, appealing equally to head and heart. He is
"religiously helpful and intellectually profitable," covering every
phase of religious, moral and social conditions, and touching every
interest of humanity. "His words went to the mark like bullets and
left marks like bullets." Being beyond criticism they have a unique
place to fill in the literature and libraries of the world.
Although the cry, "Read Luther!" has been raised here in the new world
the multitudes of the English people are not rushing for his writings,
as the Germans did when they first appeared in the old world, under
conditions similar to what they are in America at present. If asked
what made the German people what they are, the answer is, these
writings, so universally circulated and read. If the Anglo-Saxons
appreciated their educational and devotional value the 35,000 copies
circulated the last seven years would easily, as a professor
suggested, be increased to a hundred thousand copies.
Nations Helping Nations.
The world-consciousness is growing, so is the national consciousness.
Both are characteristic of our times. Perhaps never did the national
spirit develop as in recent years. The great powers, instead of
dividing China, witness the national spirit growing everywhere--in
Japan, China, India, Africa, South America, Norway, Sweden, as well as
in Germany, England, Russia and the United States. This is a good
sign, for the world-family is composed of nations, and each nation has
at least one talent not to be crushed, but with which to serve all the
others. One serves the world when he serves his nation. Luther's
words, "I live for my countrymen", illustrates this. It is not the
nations that have the largest armies and navies that are the greatest
blessing to the world, but the nations that work out the best
Christian civilization for the world to imitate and send over the
earth the best farmers to show other nations and tribes how to
cultivate the earth, the best teachers, preachers and authors to train
the people, the best medical skill to relieve human suffering, the
best mechanics and servants, the greatest philanthropists, the best
Christians. In educational, industrial, medical and charitable mission
work the nations dominated by Luther's writings stand high. Nations,
like individuals, are the greatest which serve others best; not the
nations which have the most territory, but nations which do the
greatest service for the whole human family. The students missionary
movement develops men, and the laymen's missionary movement raises
money. Both are needed, but men must be trained to do their work in
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account